Tomato, Tomatoe: Ford & Heinz to Make Fresh Car Parts

That’s right: Ford Motor Company and H.J Heinz Company Ketchup are teaming up to explore the possibility of transforming tomato fibers into sustainable bioplastics that could be used to make car parts.

Now, this might sound a little odd, but the use of plants in plastics is actually a growing trend. Indeed, Ford has been at the forefront of introducing alternative materials into its cars, including: electrical cowl brackets filled with rice hulls and soy-foam cushions.

As for the tomatoes, Ford hopes the bioplastic could be used for wiring brackets and storage bins inside the cars. Who knows, maybe your future Ford Fusion will be made from tomatoes (french fries not included).